Nearly 8,000 admitted patients were forced to wait on trolleys and chairs in September, figures release today (Monday) by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisations (INMO).

The INMO’s monthly Trolley Watch Analysis showed that 7,765 admitted patients were treated without hospital beds in September 2018. 68 of them were under 16.

Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, and Letterkenny University Hospital all hit record highs for a September.

The worst-affected hospitals included:

University Hospital Limerick: 894

Cork University Hospital: 781

University Hospital Galway: 609

Letterkenny University Hospital: 502

Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore: 461

Speaking at a recent INMO conference, one nurse spoke out, saying:

“I love nursing patients. I don’t love nursing numbers. Every day I’m forced to apologise for this health service. We can’t continue like this.”

INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said:

“Nearly 8,000 people on trolleys should be regarded as a national crisis. But it’s become business as usual in the Irish health service.

“Our members are telling us that they can’t go on with this number of unfilled vacancies. It’s not safe for patients and it’s not safe for staff.

“The HSE simply cannot hire enough nurses and midwives on these wages. Unless pay increases, vacancies will remain open, wards will remain understaffed and things will only get worse.”

Following a decision at a recent Special Delegate Conference, INMO members will soon be balloted on whether they accept the government’s proposals on pay, and if they think they are sufficient to resolve the recruitment and retention crisis. The INMO is recommending members vote to reject.